Cessna 152 vs Cessna 172
The Cessna 152 and Cessna 172 are two of the most common high-wing trainers in general aviation. The two-seat 152 is a compact, economical platform ideal for primary instruction, while the four-seat 172 adds seats, payload, and cross-country range. This is the classic two-seat-trainer versus four-seat-family-aircraft step-up debate.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 152 | Cessna 172 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $38,000 – $125,000 | $27,900 – $589,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 110 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 100 kts (185 km/h) | 122 kts (226 km/h) |
| Range | 415 nm (769 km) | 640 nm (1,185 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,700 ft (4,481 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,670 lbs (758 kg) | 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg) |
| Useful Load | 528 lbs (240 kg) | 878 lbs (398 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal (98 L) | 56.0 gal (212 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.1 GPH (23 L/h) | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,400 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $22,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $100 | $130 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 152
Fuel$34/hr
Variable$100/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$35,000/yr
Cessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 152 or Cessna 172?
Bottom line: Choose the 152 for low operating costs and an easy, forgiving platform for learning to fly; pick the 172 for four seats, more useful load, and genuine cross-country capability. Both share legendary parts support, so mission, budget, and condition typically decide the purchase.
Pick the 152 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$100/hr vs $130/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1977 vs 1956.
Pick the 172 if…
- Budget matters — from $27,900 vs $38,000, you save ~$10,100.
- More seats — 4 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 122 kts vs 100 kts.
- Longer range — 640 nm vs 415 nm.
- More inventory — 411 listings vs 57.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 152 or Cessna 172?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 152 cruises at 100 kts with 415 nm range.
The 172 cruises at 122 kts with 640 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 152: from $74,950.
Cessna 172: from $179,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 152 and Cessna 172?
152 engine: Lycoming O-235 (110 hp).
172 engine: Continental O-300 (180 hp).
Seats: 2 vs 4.
Cruise: 100 vs 122 kts.
Range: 415 vs 640 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
152: about $100/hr variable cost.
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
152: 2 seats / 528 lb useful load.
172: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
152: 2,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$22,000.
172: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data